Crimson Tide rolls over Auburn in first half

It took Nick Saban's Crimson Tide just under 30 minutes of game time to cover the five touchdown Vegas spread, and Alabama leads Auburn at the half 42-0.

In line with the predictions made by nearly every pundit before the game, the Tide has completely had their way with Auburn in every facet of the game.

The defending national champions again showed why they are among the front-runners for a spot in the title game this year, scoring on and stopping Auburn at will. The offensive line protected AJ McCarron and gave him as much time as he needed to find open receivers, be it Amari Cooper downfield or a check down pass to a back or tight end. Running backs Eddie Lacy and TJ Yeldon had gaping holes to run in and Auburn's defense could not seem to tackle on the first or even second instance of contact.

The game quickly sucked any life out of the few orange and blue clad fans in Bryant-Denny Stadium by not leaving any doubt about who was the superior team.

Alabama received the opening kickoff and with a methodical, conservative opening drive, took the lead after an Lacy touchdown run. One Auburn three and out later, the Tide took advantage of a short Steven Clark punt and scored on a second straight ten play drive, capped off by a Yeldon touchdown.

Auburn showed some offensive life on their next drive with Jonathan Wallace finding Emory Blake open for gains of 15 and 17 yards but the drive stalled shortly after crossing Alabama's 50 yard line.

Alabama scored on each of their next four possessions as well, on passes from McCarron to Cooper twice and once to Kevin Norwood, and on a second Lacy score.

Third downs were the back breaker more often than not for the Tiger defense, as well as offense. Alabama faced seven third downs and converted them all into first downs, most pretty handily. Meanwhile on offense, Auburn was just 3-of-7.